Minnesota’s Republican governor predicts voters will make a “midcourse correction” on November 2nd.

Governor Tim Pawlenty — a potential 2012 presidential candidate — made stops in Sioux City, Council Bluffs and Ames this past weekend. Pawlenty joined Republican gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad at the Hamilton County Republican Party fundraiser in Williams on Saturday evening. 

“There’s a big tailwind on the backs of Republicans both here in Iowa and across the nation and I think that’s because there’s a sense that this economy’s not moving like it should, that we need to move towards a more pro-job, job-growth strategy,” Pawlenty said.  “And I think people are realizing that what President Obama and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have to offer is really not taking the country in the right direction, so they’re looking to make a midcourse correction.”

Pawlenty did not seek a third term as Minnesota’s governor this year. His second term ends in January and he has said he’ll make a decision about a presidential race early next year. 

At least two other potential presidential candidates are scheduled to visit Iowa later this month.  Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is scheduled to be in Sioux City next week for a get-out-the-vote rally and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is scheduled to headline fundraisers here later this month.

(Reporting in Williams by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City; additional reporting by Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)